The New Jersey Devils traveled south to close out their road trip against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 4. The pair put up a tough fight, but the Devils were able to take the win 3-2 in the shootout.
Seven-Round Shootout to Determine the Winner
The Penguins managed to tie up the game towards the middle of the third period. No goals were scored after this, and the game went into overtime. Despite each team getting two shot attempts on the net, neither was able to score a goal. The game went to a shootout in order to determine the winner.
The seven-round shootout was determined by Paul Cotter, Dougie Hamilton, and finally, Timo Meier, who scored the winning goal.
Both the Penguins and the Devils scored in the first round. Anthony Beauvillier scored in the third round for Pittsburgh, but Hamilton kept the Devils alive with his third-round goal. He was able to shoot the puck through the legs of Alex Nedeljkovic to keep the game alive. Daws made some great saves in the next four rounds that followed, including an incredible glove save on Kevin Hayes’ shot. In the final round, Meier banked to the right of Nedeljkovic as he went to the middle of the net. He sent the puck into the right side of the net to win the game for New Jersey.
Hughes and Bratt Are the Dynamic Duo
The Devils continue to have two strong point leaders on their team, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt. Both goals in regulation time were scored by Hughes last night. Who recorded an assist on both goals? None other than Bratt.
Hughes’ first goal came right at the end of the first period. The Devils made a break to the net. Ondrej Palat was with Hughes, passing the puck back and forth. Palat took a shot which was blocked. Bratt was in front of the net, recovered the rebound and took another shot. Once again, the puck was stopped but Hughes was able to send it past Nedeljkovic.
Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
Nine minutes into the second, the pair repeated their success. Hughes won the faceoff against Sidney Crosby. He sent the puck to Bratt on his right. He skated around the circumference of the faceoff circle as Hughes skated out across the ice. He passed to Hughes while he was in a prime scoring position. With a blast of a shot, he scored his second goal of the night.
Bratt currently leads the Devils in assists with 45 while Hughes is close behind with 40. He is also second on the team in goals with 23. He sits behind Nico Hischier on the team’s leaderboard. In overall points for New Jersey, Hughes leads with 63, but Bratt is close behind with 61. The pair have been an unstoppable duo on the first line this season.
Daws Displayed Stellar Athleticism in First Full Game of the Season
Daws set foot on the ice in the last game on Feb. 2 against the Buffalo Sabres. However, he only recorded 19 minutes of ice time because Jake Allen was pulled from the net. Against the Penguins, he got his first start of the season.
Daws saved 25 of the 27 shots that the Penguins took last night. The two goals that he let in earned him a save percentage of .926. In the shootout, he was able to stop five of the seven shots from the Penguins. He gave the Devils the edge they needed to take home the two points.
The Devils have two more games before the 4 Nations Face-Off. One is a home game against the Vegas Golden Knights, while the last one is in Montreal against the Canadiens. There is a day break between each game, so it is not a back-to-back. However, don’t count out Daws’ chance to start again yet. After his stellar performance against the Penguins, he proved that he can play at the NHL level. The future goaltending for the Devils is looking bright.
Heading Home
The Devils will head back home to host the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, Feb. 6.
(NEWARK, NJ) — New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents the world-renowned singer, songwriter, and music producer Natalia Lafourcade on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 8:00pm. She is one of this century’s most influential voices in Latin popular culture.
Exploring Mexican and Latin American rhythms through her music, Lafourcade creates innovative connections across genres, generations, and identities. Her most recent Grammy Award®-winning studio album, *De Todas las Flores* (Of All the Flowers), serves as a musical diary inspired by various life experiences. The album blends experimental jazz, avant-garde ballads, and sunny retro tropical pop, creating a space where tragedy, warmth, restlessness, and acceptance coexist.
In 2024, Lafourcade was named the first Ambassador of Music for Peace at the 19th World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. Her music has been recognized for its ability to break down barriers, unite people, and spread messages of hope, peace, respect, and solidarity. Throughout her career, Lafourcade has won 17 Latin Grammy Awards®, 4 Grammy Awards®, a Billboard Music Award, and 3 MTV Awards.
“With her ability to weave history into the mainstream, Lafourcade has brought the past soaring into the 21st century and established herself as a proud guardian of Latin America’s musical legacy.” — NPR
Tickets are available for purchase online starting Friday, February 7, 2025 at 10:00am. Tickets are also available by calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office. New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is located at One Center Street in Newark, New Jersey.
Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.
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If you’re in New Jersey and looking for some exciting events to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday, you’re in luck! Here’s a roundup of some great parties, watch events, and unique activities happening across the Garden State on February 11, 2025:
1. Super Bowl Sunday @ 254
Time: 6:30 PM Location: 254 Price: From $100 Head to 254 for a vibrant and energetic Super Bowl celebration! Whether you’re there to enjoy the game with friends or looking to be part of an exciting atmosphere, this event promises to deliver. Come for the game, stay for the good vibes!
2. Super Bowl Chili Cook-Off
Time: 3:00 PM Location: Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck Price: From $10 Get ready for some friendly competition! Watch the Super Bowl while enjoying a variety of chili offerings at Sweetwater Marina’s chili cook-off. Taste the local flavors, vote for your favorite, and cheer for the game. A perfect combo of sports and food.
3. Super Bowl LIX Watch Party & Buffet
Time: 5:00 PM Location: Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music Price: From $28 Combine a great watch party with an all-you-can-eat buffet! At Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music, you can enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, and all the Super Bowl action on the big screen. A great place for foodies and sports fans alike!
4. Super Bowl Watch Party 2025
Time: 6:00 PM Location: 220 Passaic Ave Price: Free For those looking to watch the game in a relaxed environment, head to 220 Passaic Ave for a laid-back Super Bowl Watch Party. It’s free to attend, and you’ll get to enjoy the game with other fans in a comfortable space.
5. Touch Down Super Bowl Party!
Time: 6:00 PM Location: 100 Ocean Ave Price: From $21 Join the crowd at this lively Super Bowl party, featuring music, drinks, and plenty of excitement. Whether you’re a diehard Eagles fan or just in it for the halftime show, this event will get you in the game day spirit.
6. Super Bowl Roller Skating Party
Time: 12:00 PM Location: Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center Price: From $5 Take the family out for some pre-game fun at the roller skating rink! Get your skates on and enjoy a day of skating, followed by the big game. It’s a fun way to get your energy out before settling down to watch the Super Bowl.
7. Super Bowl LIX Party at Ponds!
Time: 5:30 PM Location: Ponds Reformed Church – Fellowship Hall Price: Free If you’re looking for a family-friendly gathering, check out the Super Bowl LIX party at Ponds Reformed Church. The watch party is free to attend, making it an excellent option for those who want to celebrate without breaking the bank.
8. Super Bowl LIX at the W
Time: 5:00 PM Location: 19 Park St Price: Free For those seeking a stylish, upscale watch party, head to the W for their Super Bowl LIX event. It’s free to attend, and you’ll enjoy a great atmosphere to cheer on your team.
9. Eagles Super Bowl Watch Party
Time: 4:00 PM Location: Ryfe Restaurant, Bar & Event Venue, Moorestown Price: From $1 Join other Eagles fans for a thrilling Super Bowl watch party at Ryfe Restaurant in Moorestown. Celebrate the big game with a drink in hand and plenty of fellow fans rooting for the Birds!
10. Pre-Super Bowl Party at Azure Restaurant + Bar
Time: 6:00 PM Location: Berkeley Carteret Price: From $20 Get the Super Bowl weekend started early at Azure Restaurant + Bar in Asbury Park. This pre-game party offers an exciting vibe to warm up for the main event. The cocktails and appetizers will keep you fueled until the big game begins!
11. Super Bowling Party
Time: 6:00 PM Location: Play Hoboken Price: From $50 For a truly unique Super Bowl celebration, head to Play Hoboken for a Super Bowling Party! Enjoy the game while bowling and hanging out with friends in a fun, interactive atmosphere.
Whether you’re craving chili, ready to rock your skates, or just want to watch the game with fellow fans, New Jersey has no shortage of exciting Super Bowl events!
Philadelphia eagles Super Bowl Party Specials in New Jersey
THE WHOLE SHEBANG / SUPER BOWL SPECIAL
Get ready to make your Super Bowl party legendary with our Whole Shebang Special! It’s the ultimate game day feast, perfect for feeding a crowd of hungry fans. Order now, and pick up your spread on Friday, 2/9, between 2 PM – 6 PM in Voorhees.
Order Deadline:
Don’t wait—cut off for ordering is Thursday, 2/6 at 12 PM!
THE WHOLE SHEBANG
Only $99 and feeds 6-8 people! Here’s what’s included:
6 pc Italian Hoagie – Classic, delicious, and ready to eat!
6 pc Cheesesteak – With melty cheese, plus cherry peppers on the side. Add fried onions for a small extra kick.
12 pc Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara – Crispy and cheesy, a perfect crowd-pleaser.
12 pc Chicken Tenders with 2 Sauces – Perfect for dipping and devouring.
WRAP TRAY
For just $59, this feeds 6-8 people too. Pick your favorite wraps from the following:
Gyro
Falafel
Buffalo Ranch Chicken
Classic Chicken
Hummus
Veggie Burger
16oz Dips (served with pita or carrots)
Tzatziki – $16
Buffalo Ranch Chickpea Salad – $15
Hummus – $14
Don’t miss out! Place your order by 12 PM on Thursday, 2/6, and pick up your Super Bowl spread on 2/9. Let’s make this game day unforgettable with the perfect mix of savory bites and satisfying flavors!
Eagles Flag Raising, Bird Dogs & More at the Betsy Ross House – Thursday, February 6, 2025
Philly is about to get extra spirited this Thursday at the Betsy Ross House with a fun and free event you won’t want to miss! Kick off the day at 11 a.m. with a special Eagles flag-raising ceremony in honor of the team’s Super Bowl push. It’s not every day you get to witness history in the making — and this one’s got that Philly flair. Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin themselves will be handing out Dietz & Watson Bird Dogs until 12:30 p.m., so grab your free snack and enjoy some Philly pride. The best part? If you’re rocking your Eagles gear, you’ll even get $1 off admission to the Betsy Ross House, where you can explore this iconic part of American history. It’s all going down at 239 Arch Street, right in the heart of Old City!
Game Day Grub for the Eagles Super Bowl Run
It wouldn’t be game day without the right food, and Philly is known for its legendary eats. Here’s where you can score the best bites for your Eagles viewing party:
Cheesesteaks Nothing says Philly like a cheesesteak. Whether you’re at the game, tailgating, or watching at home, this classic sandwich is a must-have for any Eagles fan. Check out some of the best spots in the city:
Angelo’s Pizzeria (South Philly): Serving up a juicy cheesesteak with the finest ingredients like freshly sliced steak, onions, and gooey cheese on a Sarcone’s Bakery roll. It’s an unbeatable choice! (736 S. 9th Street)
Pat’s King of Steaks (South Philly): The birthplace of the cheesesteak! Since 1930, this iconic spot has been feeding Philly’s love for cheesesteaks with their finely crafted sandwiches. (1237 E. Passyunk Avenue)
Geno’s Steaks (South Philly): Right across the street from Pat’s, Geno’s keeps the cheesesteak rivalry alive, offering up tasty thinly sliced rib-eye steak, fresh onions, and homemade bread. You can’t miss it with the neon lights glowing. (1219 S. 9th Street)
Hoagies For a delicious twist on the traditional sandwich, Philly’s hoagies are perfect for any Super Bowl gathering. These sandwiches are packed with flavor and will keep you energized through the game:
PrimoHoagies: This Philly chain is known for elevating the hoagie game with a huge variety of mouthwatering options. Multiple locations across the region make it easy to pick one up or order catering for a big game-day feast. (Various locations, including 1528 Ritner Street)
Cosmi’s Deli (South Philly): A family favorite since 1932, Cosmi’s Deli has been serving up delicious hoagies and cheesesteaks. Their hoagie trays are perfect for your Super Bowl spread. (1501 S. 8th Street)
Fink’s (Northeast Philly): Famous for its gourmet hoagies, Fink’s takes things up a notch with unique ingredients like fresh pork sausage and secret olive spread. Order one of their hoagie trays to try a variety! (4633 Princeton Avenue)
Drink & Snack Ideas for Game Day:
Càphê Roasters: If you’re looking for a caffeine kick with an Eagles twist, grab their midnight green dirty matcha featuring matcha tea, espresso, and your choice of milk. (3400 J Street G1)
Evil Genius Beer Company: Celebrate the Eagles postseason with the Fly Like an Eagle IPA — a mango-infused, milkshake-style brew that’s sure to be a hit. (1727 Front Street)
I Knead Coffee: Get in the Eagles spirit with their playoff-inspired beverages like the AJ Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso or Bleed Green Iced Matcha. (4600 Richmond Street)
McGillin’s Olde Ale House: Philly’s oldest bar gets in on the action with Eagles-themed drinks like Eagletinis and green beer. (1310 Drury Street)
Taqueria Amor (Manayunk): For a bit of a twist, check out the Philly Philly margaritas and the Victory Bird-ito at Taqueria Amor. (4410 Main Street)
Whether you’re waving the flag at Betsy’s House or indulging in Philly’s finest game day eats, the city is buzzing with excitement as we root for the Eagles! Don’t miss these fun events and tasty treats as we head toward Super Bowl glory!
The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the New Jersey Devils tonight. Here are the projected/expected lineups sourced from NHL.com staff writers, independent correspondents, and others.
7 p.m. ET; SN-PIT, MSGSN2
Devils projected lineup
Ondrej Palat — Jack Hughes — Jesper Bratt Timo Meier — Erik Haula — Dawson Mercer Paul Cotter — Justin Dowling — Stefan Noesen Tomas Tatar — Curtis Lazar — Nathan Bastian
Jonas Siegenthaler — Dougie Hamilton Brenden Dillon — Brett Pesce Luke Hughes — Johnathan Kovacevic
Haula will be a game-time decision after missing 12 games with an ankle injury; he practiced Monday at second-line center.
Latest for THW:
Penguins projected lineup
Rickard Rakell — Sidney Crosby — Bryan Rust Michael Bunting — Cody Glass — Danton Heinen Anthony Beauvillier — Kevin Hayes — Philip Tomasino Bokondji Imama — Blake Lizotte — Noel Acciari
P.O Joseph — Kris Letang Matt Grzelcyk — Erik Karlsson Ryan Graves — Vincent Desharnais
Alex Nedeljkovic Joel Blomqvist
Scratched: Matt Nieto, Ryan Shea, Jesse Puljujarvi
Injured: Evgeni Malkin (lower body)
Status report:
Malkin skated on an individual basis before practice Monday and took part in the Penguins’ optional morning skate Tuesday. The center remains week to week and will miss his fourth straight game.
TRENTON – “Transparency” is a word thrown around a lot when it comes to politics.
And so it was no surprise that one of the questions at Sunday’s Democratic gubernatorial debate focused on the demise of the Star Ledger, which printed its last edition on Sunday. While it will continue online, the disappearance of a “real newspaper,” is bound to impact the news site’s viability.
Curiously, with the exception of Steve Sweeney, most of the other candidates really have not been in office long enough to truly recall what a robust Jersey press corp used to be about.
For the record, others on stage Sunday were Ras Baraka, Steve Fulop, Josh Gottheimer, Mikie Sherrill and Sean Spiller.
“It kills me to see the press gone, pretty much gone,” Sweeney said.
Baraka noted that nationwide, news – through social media – is controlled by “tech magnates,” which was a pretty good observation.
Moving the conversation back to New Jersey, it was noted that the administration of Phil Murphy, a fellow Democrat, of course, has had a pretty awful record in regard to transparency.
Recall that it was Murphy who signed bills weakening the state’s election watchdog agency – ELEC – and Open Public Records Act.
None of the candidates supported those moves.
Fulop saw some “good” news in recent events. He noted now-Senator Andy Kim’s successful lawsuit last year against the county line, the indictment of George Norcross and the conviction of Bob Menendez.
His point was that there’s hope for the good guys and for “good government.”
State finances remain the top issue.
A student at Rider University, where the debate was held, noted – like many Republicans do – that the state budget has skyrocketed under Murphy. So how are the candidates going to keep that from happening again if elected?
Gottheimer reiterated his plan to reduce income and property taxes. It is on his website.
Spiller talked about overhauling the procurement process.
Fulop said the state budget needs better oversight – noting that it often gets very quickly-approved at the last minute.
Sherrill talked about her success in bringing money back from Washington.
This was a very polite debate, but that comment prompted Sweeney to say:
“Expecting more federal money from this administration is a pipe dream.”
Donald Trump was not in the room – although he has a golf club in Bedminster.
There was general agreement among the candidates that deportations must be based on the constitution and not done en-masse.
Spiller said we can’t lose sight of who we are, as a nation.
Sweeney said that Barack Obama and Joe Biden deported many immigrants. but that they did it with compassion.
Baraka said Trump’s moves are based on “white supremacy and racism.”
Baraka, the Newark mayor, was the most rhetorical, saying at another point in the debate:
“We can’t fight extremism with moderation.” (Was he channelling Barry Goldwater?)
On the issue of transgender rights, most candidates expressed support for athletes.
Sherrill, however, suggested that this issue – a popular one for Republicans – can take time away from more substantive issues like education and reducing costs.
She said Democrats should not take the bait. In fact, she called some of the hoopla around the issue, “bullshit.”
Yifeng Hu at Young’s Grocery in Earle, Arkansas. Photo courtesy of Yifeng Hu.
Yifeng Hu, associate professor of communication studies, spent a good part of last summer documenting the stories of Chinese immigrants and their descendants in Arkansas. Now, she hopes that similar storytelling projects will soon capture the voices of Asian communities in New Jersey.
The project is part of the ASIANetwork-Mellon Foundation Award for AAPI Voices and Stories: Community-based Digital Storytelling, which provides funding to support oral history and community conservation projects to record the experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
“It’s important to hear ordinary people’s voices and to preserve those voices,” says Hu, who worked with colleagues and students at the University of Central Arkansas in collecting the untold stories of Chinese American families who settled in Arkansas and the Mississippi Delta in the late 1800s.
Hu explains that after the Civil War, Cantonese families came to the Mississippi Delta region to work in the cotton fields, having made their way southward from California after completing work on the Transcontinental Railroad or being transported directly from China after the Emancipation Proclamation.
In the 20th century, these families became small business owners, primarily operating grocery stores that have been a mainstay in rural areas since. These businesses served as one of the few places where both Black and white communities were able to mingle during the Jim Crow South.
L to R: Yifeng Hu, Ted “Monty” Wong, Sandy Wong. Monty was born in Holly Grove, Arkansas in 1944. His family owned a grocery called Wong’s Grocery, opened in 1933. Photo courtesy of Yifeng Hu.
The adult children of many of those immigrants are now professionals in the cities of the South and beyond. Still, many of the grocery stores remain in the care of the Chinese families who originated them. While in Arkansas, Hu visited Young’s Grocery, which has been in business since the 1940s in the small town of Earle: population 1,831.
“The store is such a bustling place,” she says. “It is the hub of this small town.” And a necessary resource, she explains. “Many customers mentioned how Earle wouldn’t exist today if not for the grocery store.”
This spring, TCNJ students will embark on a storytelling project to document the voices of AAPI students on campus, says Hu, who hopes that similar oral history initiatives can commence throughout the state.
“The goal is to create an oral history of Asian Americans in New Jersey and promote the awareness of it,” says Hu, co-chair of the college’s Asian and Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition.
Hu says the first Chinese settlement on the East Coast was not the well-known Chinatown in New York or even in Philadelphia, but rather in Belleville, New Jersey, in 1870, as Chinese immigrants continued to travel east after completing the railroad.
“There’s a lot to be talking about and a lot to be shared with people, it’s exciting,” says Hu. “American history is not just Black and white; we all need to be heard. I really want to tell people that Asian-American history is American history.”
Kislak Commercial Real Estate Services, the commercial sales and leasing affiliate of The Kislak Company, announced the recent sale of Echo Hill Plaza, a 16,000-square-foot mixed-use commercial retail and office building at 1128 Route 31 in Lebanon for $1,275,000.
Kislak marketed the property on behalf of the seller with commercial sales and leasing associate Sara Soliman handling the assignment, and she also procured the purchaser.
The parties were not disclosed.
“This was the buyer’s first acquisition of a building of this size, facilitated through an I.R.C Section 1031 exchange and supported by seller financing. The offering presented an attractive investment opportunity and although the process involved various complexities, we worked through them diligently to ensure a successful closing,” Soliman said.
Echo Hill Plaza, formerly the Van Cleef Engineering professional building, boasts a prime location with stunning wooded views, ample natural light, and a well-maintained structure.
The property has a mix of excellent tenants and is strategically positioned near Route 78, making it an attractive investment opportunity. The building is situated in a high-traffic area, with an average of 25,000 vehicles passing by daily.
Soliman also secured a new beauty bar tenant for the property.
BRICK TOWNSHIP — Former Brick Township Recreation Director Daniel Santaniello, 46, of Brick Township, was sentenced to a three-year probationary term in connection with his former position after his previously entered guilty plea to theft.
Santaniello was required to resign from his position with Brick Township and forfeit any and all future public employment.
The former recreation director was also previously required to pay full restitution in the amount of approximately $9,260.
Santaniello pled guilty before Judge Guy Ryan on Dec. 10. Judge Ryan was also the sentencing judge.
This charge is the result of a joint investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Brick Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department Internal Affairs Unit, and Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau.
The investigation revealed that in his position as Director of Recreation, Santaniello was responsible for issuing permits to private organizations for utilizing the township’s recreational facilities, including the township’s various softball fields. Private organizations wishing to utilize the fields were charged fees for their usage.
The investigation further revealed that Santaniello required certain organizations wishing to utilize the township’s fields to pay him directly in cash, rather than issuing checks to the township.
Instead of depositing the cash into the township’s accounts, Santaniello kept the monies for himself. In order to conceal his theft, Santaniello provided the private organizations who paid him in cash with fraudulent permits.
This is an excerpt of the print article. For more on this story, read The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.
Check out our other Brick Township stories, updated daily. And remember to pick up a copy of The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.
Subscribe today! If you’re not already an annual subscriber to The Ocean Star, get your subscription today! For just $38 per year, you will receive local mail delivery weekly, with pages and pages of local news and online access to our e-edition on Starnewsgroup.com.
According to North Plainfield-based Levin Management Corporation’s (LMC’s) 14th annual Retail Outlook Sentiment Survey, store managers have entered 2025 with a favorable attitude fueled by strong annual and holiday sales volume. In fact, three quarters (75.7%) of respondents report they are optimistic about performance in the coming year – a new survey high.
“Tenants in our leased and managed shopping center portfolio had a strong year, with our survey findings mirroring reports of record retail spending and better-than-anticipated holiday seasonal sales in 2024,” noted LMC’s Matthew K. Harding, chief executive officer.
More than three quarters (76.1%) of LMC poll participants say their 2024 annual sales reached the same or a higher level than 2023; just under three quarters (73.6%) indicate same-or-higher holiday sales year over year. These percentages compare to survey trailing averages of 61.6% and 66.0%, respectively.
Just as positive outcomes beget positive outlooks, embracing change and creating new opportunities for customer engagement are keys to ongoing success in the retail environment, Harding noted. To that end, about 45% of LMC survey participants say their company recently adapted – or has plans to adapt – its business model to maintain or improve competitive advantage.
“Retailers are working to meet consumers where they are today – and that means creating a distinctive brick-and-mortar shopping experience,” Harding noted. “Our survey respondents ranked customer service and support, and the social experience of in-person shopping as the top two advantages of physical retail over its ecommerce counterpart. Their most popular enhancements fit in that context.”
72.3% of adapters are placing more training and focus on customer experience.
36.9% of adapters are increasing their emphasis on community programs and engagement.
32.3% of adapters are working on new or updated customer loyalty/incentive programs.
The survey also asked retailers about the adoption of artificial intelligence technology. “While AI plans didn’t make our ‘top three’ adaptations in this year’s Outlook survey, the shift in that data point is well worth a mention,” Harding said. “In our 2024 Outlook, 14.6% of our adapters reported new plans involving AI. This year that number more than doubled, jumping to 29.2%. We look forward to taking a deeper dive into that topic in our Mid-Year Survey, which focuses on technology in the retail space.”
Industry Drivers and Growth Plans For the second consecutive year, inflation/rising prices topped the list of drivers LMC survey participants feel will have the biggest impact on their retail or service business over the next 12 months. At the same time, inflationary increases seem to be easing somewhat, with 24.2% of respondents saying they did not raise prices last year, up from 22.5% and 18.8%, respectively, in LMC’s two prior Outlook surveys. Of those who did raise prices in response to inflation last year, 25.4% expect to raise prices further in 2025, down from 30.4% and 34.7% in the two prior Outlook surveys.
The economy/consumer confidence ranked second among anticipated 2025 industry drivers. Shifting consumer expectations and shopping patterns came in third, displacing supply chain/inventory availability, which had been a “top three” driver since 2022.
LMC’s Outlook survey also asked tenants about their plans for growth in the coming year. In the latest poll, 40.9% of respondents say they are hiring; 17.0% anticipate expanding, renovating or reformatting their location; and 22.0% expect to open additional locations in 2025.
